Residents warned to stay inside, close windows as smoke billows from St Marys factory fire

A major fire has broken out at a large factory in western Sydney, intensified by gas cylinders and chemicals, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of workers and nearby residents. Fire authorities have established an 800-meter exclusion zone to ensure public safety during the firefighting efforts.

The fire at the recycling facility on Christie Street in St Marys erupted just after 1:45 p.m. and escalated into a major blaze before 3 p.m. LPG cylinders appear to be fueling the fire, with flames reaching up to 60 meters high and thick plumes of smoke spreading to neighboring areas, posing potential health risks.

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has stated that an 800-meter exclusion zone has been established, and workers and residents are being evacuated from the area. FRNSW advises, "Residents and businesses outside the exclusion zone should close their doors, windows, and vents as a precaution against potential smoke hazards, ensuring indoor air quality."

More than 20 fire trucks and 100 firefighters are working to extinguish the blaze and are focused on protecting adjacent buildings from the spreading flames. Superintendent Adam Dewberry stated, "We have a large quantity of chemicals and gas cylinders involved, which are exploding with force, creating a hazardous environment for our crews."

FRNSW indicated that the presence of gas cylinders "makes this operation extremely hazardous and complex, requiring careful coordination." Due to the fire's dangerous and precarious conditions, adequate water supply for close-range and effective firefighting is proving challenging. The cause of the fire is currently unknown and is subject to further investigation after the fire is under control.